Dean MacPherson wrote this review.
Richard Thompson has one. Kurt Weill has a couple of them. Hell, even Mickey Mouse has a tribute album, so it’s about time somebody put together a collection of Phil Ochs cover tunes.
Ochs, though not as commercially successful as contemporaries like Bob Dylan, was very much the true soul of topical folk music in the ’60s. He championed the civil rights movement, stood behind striking labourers and challenged us to look out for the interests of our fellow humans. He was, in a way, a direct connection between Woody Guthrie and Billy Bragg, both in musical style and in the heart which drove his music.
What’s That I Hear includes 28 tracks from a wide spectrum of musicians. Regardless of style the best interpretations are those which stay true to Ochs’ spirit, and the worst are those which resort to the too-earnest whining which seems to be the default setting for folk and protest singers.
The Roches’ a cappella rendition of “The Bells” is a gem, a joyful ringing of harmony stripped of all accompaniment save for some faint tinkling bells. Likewise Greg Greenway’s strong, warm voice is worthy of “Tape From California,” and the minimal guitar and cello accompaniment complements his voice rather than overpowers it.
At the other end of the spectrum Dave Van Ronk delivers an over the top ragtime version of “Outside of a Small Circle of Friends” which is just plain fun, and Kim and Reggie Harris team up with Magpie for a gospelly “Freedom Riders” that glows with joy and hope. Some choices, however, should be questioned. There are two weak versions of “There But For Fortune,” but the producers didn’t include “Love Me, I’m a Liberal” or “The Ballad of Medgar Evers.”
Once you separate the wheat from the chaff, however, it’s a very satisfying compilation with some selections which stand on their own strengths rather than relying solely on Och’s songwriting magic.
(Sliced Bread Records, 1998)
